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Gangtok is the most popular destination for vacations and holidays as it offers some of the best views of the Himalayan range, lush greenery, a landscape of mountains, peaceful environment that makes it a dream destination for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts. The city is the capital of Sikkim which offers a wide range of tourist attractions and a variety of activities to try making it a perfect holiday destination.
Pelling is the hub of Sikkim tourists that attracts people from all over the world due to its scenic beauty, pleasant climatic conditions, adventure options, and many more. The place consists of waterfalls and also offers a variety of activities along with offering cinematic views of the Kanchenjunga peak. Being located in the foothills of the Himalayan region and Kanchenjunga range the place receives snowfall in the winters enhancing the scenery of the place. Pelling is the home to some of the oldest monasteries of the Sikkim.
Lachung is a popular tourist destination in northern Sikkim that offers some of the unique views of the mountains and consists of a number of offbeat places that allow travelers to explore Sikkim in a unique way. Located at a height of 8,610 ft the place offers scenic views of the snowcapped mountains, rich culture, glacial rivers, waterfalls, and many more. The place is known for Lachung Gumpha and Chu River which enhances the beauty of the village. Lachung is famous for apricots, apples, and peaches along with lots of tourist attractions points for travelers.
Located at a distance of 92 km from the city of Gangtok, Namchi is regarded as the most gorgeous city in Sikkim for its lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. The place is a pilgrimage center for the Buddhists with a number of monasteries located all along the place. Namchi Monastery and Ralong Monastery are regarded as the most important religious sites of the Namchi. The place is home to the largest tea garden in Sikkim, Temi Tea Garden, and is considered as one of the best in the world.
Located at an elevation of 12,400 ft the Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake is one of the popular tourist destinations of Sikkim situated at a distance of 38km from the city of Gangtok. The lake reflects a turquoise color accompanied by snow-capped mountains and an azure sky offers a breathtaking view that attracts photographers from all over the world. The lake offers its charm and beauty in the summer while it remains entirely frozen in the winter.
The Gurudongmar Lake also known as Tso Lhsmo Lake is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world located at a height of 17, 800 ft in the northern part of Sikkim. The lake is popular among tourists for its beauty and is also a sacred lake which is believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. The place offers scenic views with a pleasant environment, during winter the temperature falls as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
Located between Gangtok and Pelling, Ravangla is at the top of the list for people traveling to Sikkim. The place is located in the southern part of Sikkim and offers scenic beauty while being surrounded by the dense forests of Maenam and Tendong Hills. The place inhabits some of the rare species of birds such as dark-throated thrush, babblers, cuckoos, and many others making it a paradise for bird lovers. Ravangla also consists of the largest Buddha statue with a height of 130 ft is among the main attraction of the place.
Located at an elevation of 10,000 ft, Zuluk is the untouched and less traveled part of Sikkim that offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga. The place is popular among bike riders and adventure lovers for the Silk route that leads through 32 hair-pin bends offering the experience of a lifetime. Zuluk is also popular for the Elephant Lake or Kupup Lake which is regarded as one of the sacred lakes of the Sikkim. The adventurous drive along the Silk Route is regarded as the best Himalayan drive in India.
Air : Sikkim can be reached by taking a flight to the Pakyong Airport located in Pakyong at a distance of 35 km from the city of Gangtok.
Train : There is no major station in Sikkim for the railway, however, the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) located in Siliguri at a distance of 145 km from the city of Gangtok.
Road : Sikkim can be reached by road through NH 10 which allows connecting Siliguri to Gangtok witnessing the beauty of the mountains and Teesta River along the journey.
Sikkim is rich in culture and festivities that resemble its wider range of community and religious beliefs. The state is famous for its unique dance forms, festivals, languages, arts, and many more which resemble the traditional culture of Sikkim. The people of Sikkim love dance and music which is performed on the eve of festivals and for celebrations. The architecture and art forms of Sikkim are popular among tourists and are similar to that of Tibetan art forms and architecture. Losar, Pang Lhabsol, Tihar, and Saga Dawa are some of the common festivals that are hugely celebrated in Sikkim.
The food and cuisine of Sikkim are a major part of the state culture due to its unique range of cuisines and mouthwatering dishes that attract tourists and food lovers from all over the world. The food and cuisine of the Sikkim are mainly comprised of rice, fermented beans, cottage cheese, Soups, pickles, and many more. Momo and Thukpa are the most commonly consumed dishes in Sikkim that are available for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The people of Sikkim prefer eating boiled foods with less use of spices accompanied by local drinks, beer, and rum.
Explore the captivating cultural tapestry of Sikkim, where vibrant traditions and festivals beautifully depict the state's rich heritage.
Losar : Tibetan New Year, Losar, is celebrated with colorful processions, dances, and decorations in Sikkim.
Saga Dawa : Celebrate Saga Dawa, a significant Buddhist festival honoring the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Monasteries are visited by pilgrims, and prayer flags decorate the landscape during this auspicious occasion.
Phang Lhabsol : Experience the Phang Lhabsol festival, a blend of religion and culture, celebrating the guardian deity Kanchenjunga with masked dances, prayers, and vibrant ceremonies.
Dasain (Dashain) : Dasain is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. Families gather for feasts, rituals, and blessings, promoting unity and joy.
Tihar (Deepawali) : Tihar is a Hindu festival of lights that honors animals, adding a compassionate touch to the celebrations.
Maghe Sankranti : Maghe Sankranti celebrates longer days and the end of winter with traditional foods and activities.
Tendong Lho Rum Faat : Tendong Lho Rum Faat is a significant festival celebrated by the Lepcha people in Sikkim to mark the occasion when their ancestors were saved by the holy Tendong Hill from a great deluge. It is celebrated with great fanfare, with Namchi being the prime venue in South Sikkim.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of Sikkim, a captivating state in northern India. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, pleasant climate, and rich cultural traditions, Sikkim offers warm hospitality to travellers. In 1975, India welcomed Sikkim as the 22nd state of the nation. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Sikkim shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and China, adding an international dimension to its allure. Explore the beauty of nature and cultural heritage in this enchanting land.
Here's your essential travel info for an enriching experience:
1. Permits: Make sure that you obtain all the required permits before entering any restricted areas. Foreigners may need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
2. Weather: Sikkim has diverse climates due to varying altitudes. Summers (April to June) offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring. Winters (October to February) can be chilly, especially at higher elevations.
3. Attractions: Explore the enchanting Gurudongmar Lake, Pelling's serene landscapes, and the vibrant capital, Gangtok. Don't miss the awe-inspiring monasteries like Rumtek and Tashiding.
4. Transportation: The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal. Well-connected by road, with shared taxis and private cabs available. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers a scenic train journey.
5. Local Cuisine: Indulge in Sikkimese delicacies like Phagshapa, Thukpa, and Momos. Try the local beverage, Tongba, a fermented millet drink.
6. Festivals: Check festival calendars for events like Losar, Saga Dawa, and Phang Lhabsol. Embrace the local culture through vibrant celebrations.
7. Health Precautions: Acclimatize gradually to avoid altitude sickness. Carry essential medications and stay hydrated.
To enter the beautiful land of Sikkim, foreigners need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Since some parts of Sikkim are located near the China border, they are protected and can only be accessed by foreigners with a Restricted-Area Permit (RAP). These areas include Nathula Pass, Lachen, and Lachung Valley. However, Indian citizens can visit them with a regular permit from the police. Additionally, foreigners are required to pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) charges for their stay in Sikkim.
"Sikkim experiences a diverse climate due to its varying altitudes. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the state enjoys a subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. Winters can see temperatures drop to as low as -7 degrees Celsius, while summers are mild. The best time to visit Sikkim is during the summer months where visitors can indulge in the breathtaking vistas.
